Author Interview

Your female, main characters of Myeu and Ahgielle in Orrleth have the perfect blend of action, wit, and at the same time, vulnerability. With Myeu’s magical prowess, and Ahgielle’s battle dynamics in particular, they clearly hold their own in both character, and ability amongst a predominantly male main character lineup. Likely no one would want to mess with either of them. Both would make for the most loyal and worthy friend, agile protector, and example of strength and resilience.

What influenced each character’s development?

Thomas McClellan:“Well, I believe that all of the main characters in the Lost Pack except for Lospeck and Sebastian originated in a dream I had. Obviously, the dream only gave vague outlines for the characters and start of the plot, but I still had a basis to work off from the start. Even so, this dream was limited mostly to aesthetics, notably in Myeu’s circlet/eye, and Ahgielle’s armor/ponytail. Though the braid was part of the dream, Ahgielle’s personality, armor detail, ponytail blade, and other weaponry were created by me through numerous sketches and redrafts. Likewise, Myeu’s hair, ornate iris, and circlet were present in my dream, but nothing else was as crisply displayed. In short, the core basis of the two ladies came to me in a night vision, but the rest I made up as I went along. I am a big fan of impromptu, yet I still have a very rough outline for my story. The world of Orrleth is no place for the weak. As such, dynamic, powerful women from both ends of the spectrum of femininity must be included to provide a well-rounded, engaging experience. Ahgielle’s shift in demeanor toward Tyrus and his brothers adds another persona to the mix. Later on, Myeu will show another side not yet known.”

Caius and Ahgielle share an interesting and mysterious relationship. Can you tell us more about the bond the two have? Can we expect a budding romance?

TM:“Though not much is mentioned about the two, Caius and Ahgielle definitely have something going on. I won’t go into detail, but the secrets only begin with Sebastian. A romance could be one possibility, but the feelings (if any) are most definitely not mutual, at least in the first book. Time will tell.”

Ahgielle’s armor is definitely her signature. Will we ever see her without it? Will we ever see her in a dress, perhaps?

TM:“Ahgielle’s armor is indeed part of her hardy exterior, but a softer, more effeminate side of her will be revealed at a later date. The beginnings are hidden as fragments throughout the first book, but more will be shown at a later point in the series. Her wearing a dress could happen.”

It is evident that Ahgielle holds power that is beyond her years. Will her background play a prominent role in the plot of the Orrleth series?

TM:“Ahgielle’s background has already been playing a prominent role in the plot of Orrleth for a very long time, but I suppose that is not quite what the question asks. Past, present, and future – Ahgielle’s tale will come to light later in the series.”

Myeu’s circlet is very interesting. Is there any backstory to it?

TM: “The story of Myeu’s circlet is just as jagged and twisted as the band itself. Expect sorrow as black as the raven of her hair.”

Myeu’s color-changing hair is very unique. What inspired you to give her this attribute?

TM: “This is a bit of a shift from what I mentioned in the previous section, but yes, the idea of contrast between stagnant and shifting in Myeu’s hair is quite unique. What inspired me to give her this attribute? Well, to begin, I felt that Myeu was lacking a bit visually, and one more radical component needed to be added to her appearance. After brainstorming with my mother, we decided on giving Myeu a mood stripe in her hair, which also fluctuates in strange ways in association with her magic.”

“There are copious amounts of secrets in the world of Orrleth. Suspicions often lead to truth.”—Thomas McClellan, Author of Orrleth

Please join in the conversation with Part Three of an interview series with Thomas McClellan, author of Orrleth, Volume One of the Young Adult Fantasy Paranormal Adventure Series, Orrleth.

The Fnir are such an adorable respite in the story; they possess a hidden quality. Is there a deeper meaning for them as characters than one would notice at first glance?

Thomas McClellan:The Fnir are, as mentioned, a respite from the chaos and darkness of Orrleth. No longer in possession of a physical body, their spirits continue to live on in the snowy mountains. A true cause cannot be stifled with death alone, and the grave ends nothing.

Every Fiction Author digs into their own reality in creating a story. Is there something you’d share from your own world that made it into Orrleth?

TM: I drew many things from my own world and put them into that of Orrleth, but the most robust would be that of the brotherhood within the Lost Pack. Taking experiences and stories from life with my own brothers, I carefully recreated it all in another world. The petty bickering and unique terminology to the powerful bond of family—all of it is written at least in part throughout the book. My own family is already interesting enough, so very little tweaking was needed to provide readers with a cast that would entertain in some sense of the word.

Any hints on what comes next in Book Two?

TM: As mentioned earlier, Lospeck becomes more a person of interest in Book Two, though I might be getting ahead of myself. Either way, much of what is to come deals with Tyrus Savage, Myeu Ansi, and the two’s relationship. Tyrus must choose between many paths, and his trust in Myeu will be brought into question. The second book will be the crux of their love and a test of Tyrus’ devotion.

How many volumes do you anticipate/estimate will be in the Orrleth Series?

TM: I originally intended for there to be only four books in the Orrleth series, but as I was writing the second book, I realized that what I had hoped to be one book was far too long. Rather than trying to mash the two major climaxes between the same covers, I decided to make the stories into books of their own. As of now, I intend for there to be five books, but the same issue could present itself again in future works, so nothing is for sure.

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You’re invited to post/send me questions about the book, or my writing process for following sessions. There are copious amounts of secrets in the world of Orrleth. Suspicions often lead to truth.

Please join in the conversation with Part Two of an interview series with Thomas McClellan, author of Orrleth, Volume One of the Young Adult Fantasy Paranormal Adventure Series, Orrleth.

Book-specific Questions:

What is the role of the Four Kings, in terms of hierarchy, purpose, and/or influence?

Thomas McClellan: The Four Kings are supposed to stand for the four pillars of the world, including the four basic cardinal directions. Each has their own quadrant of the planet, but the four together are united as one in purpose for the sacred cause of protecting all of Orrleth. Compared to the traditional notion of a king, the Four Kings of Orrleth differ only slightly. The rights and responsibilities resemble traditional notions, but the Four Kings are chosen by quality of character, not strictly by birthright alone.

Which character was the easiest to craft, and why?

TM: Tyrus Savage was by far the easiest character to craft, seeing as he was based on many of my own emotions, ideals, and thought processes to the best of my ability without completely driving readers away from the book. [Laughs] His balance of neuroticism, calm, and rage stem from yours truly. There is very little else to say on the matter, since I have already revealed the inner workings of my mind through the actions of Tyrus.

Out of all the weapons and/or gifts that your characters possess or acquire in Orrleth, which would you like to have, personally?

TM: Out of all the curious and magical devices and things in Orrleth, I would definitely have to grab Frostsinger if I had the chance. A frozen blade of purest white, light and biting as the winter air, and filled with the intelligence of song—I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather want, especially with what comes bound to the sword. Even so, there is more to Frostsinger than has been revealed. The aesthetics and properties are just the beginning.

Author-specific Questions:

How long have you wanted to be a writer?

TM: I never wanted to be a writer until about two years ago, when I had my dream that set the foundation for the Orrleth universe. Writing was always enjoyable for me, but I never envisioned myself to do anything with it past graduation. Let’s just say that a lot can change when you find a new passion.

Any tips you’d like to share with aspiring writers?

TM: I think that the most important thing to learn is that if you want to be an author, don’t dabble in it. If you want something to be published, you don’t write here and there as you please. Make a schedule with set quota for the day and stick to it. Sporadic, infrequent progress isn’t real progress. Continued endeavors will yield a complete work in a more timely manner. For example, I had a bare minimum of 1,000 words a day. If things weren’t going the best, I would stop there, but if it was a really good day, I would write until I needed sleep. If you want to write, make room for it and let it consume you.

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Please post/send me some questions for following interviews. There are copious amounts of secrets in the world of Orrleth. Suspicions often lead to truth.

Please join in the conversation with Part One of an interview series with Thomas McClellan, author of Orrleth, Volume One of the Young Adult Fantasy Paranormal Adventure Series, Orrleth.

Book-specific Questions:

What inspired you to write Orrleth?

Thomas McClellan:The story of Orrleth came to me in a dream one night, and I could not keep myself from writing down every shred of every detail before I might have forgotten. Luckily, I wrote down everything that I wanted. Luckier still, is the fact that I did not forget the dream and merely have to base the story off of written recordings. After being gifted with a sturdy base for the storyline, I incorporated elements from my own life and the lives of my brothers to connect the main sequences. Anything that was not from the original dream and personal history was more or less made up on the spot.

Orrleth is a world, a school, a living being walking the same world? Is there a symbolism here, or theme woven throughout?

TM:Although Orrleth is all three, there is little that I would like to divulge at the moment. At the very least, however, the three uses of the name “Orrleth” are in fact connected. Some further clarification goes far back into the history of the world and its associated beings, but the base concept is to be that of a United Nations organization, or something of the like. It is supposed to be an ideal body of the best to which all can look to and aspire, especially with the current corrupt government of the Luemin.

Which character was the most challenging to create, and why?

TM: All of the characters were difficult in their own right to create, but I must go with Lospeck Vontef as being the most cumbersome to construct. There is more that is said in his words than just base meaning alone. Even more is said in his absence of clarity. I wanted to scream out all of his secrets so that people can know how he ticks, but that will be saved for another day. Keep trying to draw your own conclusions in the meantime. Maybe your predictions will be correct. The second book will illuminate the shadow over Lospeck.

What is your favorite storyline/arc/scene in Orrleth Volume One?

TM: I like different parts of the first book more or less depending on mood and circumstance, but the final storyline arc remains constantly among my favorites. Everything that the book has been building up reaches its crescendo near the end, and the link between brothers is strengthened through the hardship. All loose ends are not tied up, nor are all the mysteries solved, but the conclusiveness and rightness are without parallel anywhere else in the story.

Author-specific Questions:

Who or what inspired you to become a writer, and/or inspires/inspired your writing?

TM: Nothing and no one inspired me to become a writer, nor is my writing influenced by any sort of idol. I simply had a dream, found it to be worthwhile, and put my pen to the paper. My own personal belief is to be someone others could pattern their lives after, not simply a disciple condemned to self-restraint under a hero. My advice is to make your own advice. Don’t shackle yourself to the ground when you could fly.

Who, or what do you credit for your education and/or training as a writer?

TM: Credit must be given where credit is due, and I must give some credit to my high school AP English teacher, Ms. Sharon Smith. I spent a year in her class, and it was brutally effective. There’s nothing quite like a teacher whose dedication to her field leaves such a lasting, positive impression. Ms. Smith’s zeal for the subject must be commended. That class was pivotal in cultivating my insanity and refining it into a make meet for literature.

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Please post/send me some questions for following interviews. There are copious amounts of secrets in the world of Orrleth. Suspicions often lead to truth.